The John Report: AEW Dynamite 09/08/21 Review

Welcome to the AEW Dynamite review here on TJRWrestling. This episode is the follow-up to a great AEW All Out pay-per-view on Sunday night that was a nice mix of outstanding matches and some huge surprises to end the night. I rated All Out a 9.5 out of 10 in my review, so it’s the best AEW PPV ever and really one of the best PPVs I’ve ever seen. If you know anything about me, I’ve watched and reviewed MANY of them in the last 30 years, so that’s saying a lot. I enjoyed it immensely.

This is AEW Dynamite #101 from Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Here’s my AEW Dynamite TV review archive. Let’s get to it.

The show began with some highlights from AEW All Out featuring some great matches and memorable moments.

There was pyro on the stage as we got some shots of the big crowd in Cincy. Jim Ross welcomed us to the show: “It’s Wednesday night and you know what that means.” The commentary team this week was Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone and Taz, who was filling in for Excalibur. The announcers noted that Excalibur is getting married in a few days, so he’s off. Congrats to Excalibur. Hopefully he can take the mask off for the wedding.

Malakai Black made his cool entrance that is very intimidating and dark with a spotlight on him. Dustin Rhodes entered as the opponent.

Malakai Black vs. Dustin Rhodes

Dustin with clotheslines, atomic drop and a running boot. Black came back with a roundhouse kick. Dustin hit a German Suplex out of the corner, which is not a move that he usually does. Black left the ring, Black got a kick to stop a move and then Black hit a belly to back suplex through the timekeeper’s table. The referee Aubrey Edwards didn’t count Dustin out or care that a foreign object was used. Dustin was slow to get back up since he was favoring a left knee injury. Black cleared off a turnbuckle pad. Back in the ring, Black hit Dustin with a knee to the ribs. Black applied a tight headlock as the fans clapped for Dustin. Black got a heel hook submission on Dustin’s left leg and that led to Dustin getting his hand on the bottom rope to break the hold. The fans were chanting for both guys as Black kicked Dustin in the left leg. Dustin sold the left leg injury by collapsing while he was running. Black smiled about it. Dustin came back with two clotheslines, an uppercut punch and a powerslam for two. Dustin got a sunset flip for two. Dustin worked over Black with punches against the turnbuckle, but Black slipped out and kicked him in the back of the leg. Black with a jumping knee to the face for two. Black grabbed Cody’s boot from under the ring to taunt Cody’s brother Dustin. That led to Dustin hitting an uppercut, Dustin with a kick to the ribs and a Canadian Destroyer only got a two count. Dustin went for a bulldog, Black got out of it, then a sweep kick leading to Dustin hitting the exposed turnbuckle and Black hit the spinning kick (to the shoulder) for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Malakai Black

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match here. Black continues his undefeated run in AEW while continuing to beat people that are close to Cody Rhodes. It went a bit longer than I thought, but that’s not a bad thing because Dustin did a nice job of selling and making a brief comeback until Black finished him off. The finish was weak because a spin kick to the shoulder really doesn’t look devastating compared to when he hits a guy in the head with that kick.

Post match, the camera focused on Dustin bleeding from the mouth. Black left with a smile on his face.

There was a video with Lucha Brothers talking about their AEW Tag Team Title win at All Out. It was an incredible match. They basically just sent they poured their blood and they became the champions.

CM Punk was up next.

(Commercial)

Eddie Kingston did a promo talking about how Miro cheated to be him with a low blow kick. Miro called himself The Redeemer to end it. They may continue that feud.

Let’s Hear From CM Punk

CM Punk made his entrance to “Cult of Personality” with the Cincy crowd cheering loudly for him as you would expect. Punk was wearing an AEW sweater over his shirt.

Punk thanked Darby Allin, Sting and the fans. Punk said that he didn’t know if he had what it takes, but it was like riding a violent bicycle. The fans chanted “you still got it” at Punk, so he said thanks. Punk said that that they’ve also got Minoru Suzuki and they’ve got a local Cincinnati maniac like Jon Moxley to face him. Punk said that he was going to watch it like a wrestling fan. Loud “Moxley” chants. Punk shouted out “Aunt Linda” Pillman at ringside, called her an angel and said he saw Dark Side of the Ring. That was cool.

Punk mentioned some of the things that happened at All Out like Ruby Soho and Bryan Danielson. Punk said after his match at All out, he texted his beautiful wife April (the former AJ Lee), so she asked him what’s next? Punk said he didn’t know, so he asked the fans what they wanted. Punk noted that people were chanting “Moxley” and “Pillman” at him. Taz spoke up from commentary and Punk asked if Taz was seriously interrupting him. Punk said out of respect, don’t ever interrupt him again.

Taz said that he is tired of this bullshit lovefest that Punk is doing. Taz said that Punk was impressive against Darby, but he should not mention any members of Team Taz that he wants to face. Punk said nobody mentioned anybody from Team Taz. Punk said nobody mentioned them. That led to Powerhouse Hobbs and Hook on the stage beside Taz. Taz claimed that

Punk said he has known Taz a long time, he does respect him and he said you can send Starks, Hook or Hobbs. Punk: “All four of you, beat me if you can, survive if *I* let you.” That was Taz’s catchphrase. Punk’s music played to end it.

Analysis: It’s a new direction for Punk dealing with a heel stable like Team Taz. I think Punk against Ricky Starks would be a great rivalry for Starks and a nice learning experience for him. Punk’s promo was the usual great energy, lots of confidence and mentioning a lot of names to get a big reaction from the crowd. The fans absolutely love Punk and I don’t see the crowd support going away any time soon unless he turns, which would seem pretty dumb this early in his AEW run. Anyway, I liked the use of Taz’s catchphrase at the end as well.

Punk left the ring and shook Aunt Linda’s hand and hugged her. Everybody loves Aunt Linda! Punk walked up the ramp, had a staredown with Hobbs and Punk walked to the back through the tunnel. Hobbs is in action up next.

Analysis: If you don’t know the Aunt Linda story, she helped raise Brian Pillman’s kids (she is Brian’s sister) after he died because Brian’s wife was an unfit mother. It was documented well on an episode of Dark Side of the Ring. Aunt Linda is the aunt of Brian Pillman Jr., who is under contract to AEW. It was cool to see Punk mention her like that.

(Commercial)

There was a promo from Santana & Ortiz talking about how they beat FTR last week, so they are going after other tag teams in the division and everybody knows where they belong. Ortiz said “we’re the best” repeatedly.

Ruby Soho was interviewed by Tony Schiavone and it was interrupted within five seconds because that’s what tends to happen. The AEW Women’s Champion Britt Baker showed up with Jamie Hayter (who faces Ruby later) and Rebel. Ruby said she actually helped Baker break into this industry. Ruby said she knows what Britt is doing by giving herself all these nicknames. Baker made a joke that Ruby is the “runaway” and told Ruby she has been the runaway at catering for the last four years. Good line by whoever came up with that. Ruby told Tony that she is going to whip Baker’s ass.

Powerhouse Hobbs is 15-2 in 2021 and ranked #2 in the rankings. Really? So why wasn’t he booked on a PPV with ten matches? I know most of his wins are on the Youtube shows, but a guy that is ranked highly should be featured more.

Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Dante Martin

Martin was impressive in a tag team match about a month ago and now he’s in a match on TV again. Hobbs ran over Martin with a running body attack. Martin tried a dive, Hobbs caught him and Martin dropkicked Hobbs out of the ring. Martin went for a suicide dive, Hobbs caught him and sent him into the ring post. That was a cool spot although it looked a bit dangerous. Hobbs whipped Martin into the barricade leading to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

Hobbs was still in control as he went for a knee drop, but Martin moved and started the comeback. Martin with a kick. Martin went up top with a missile dropkick followed by a senton splash for two. Martin kicked Hobbs out of the ring. Martin went for a dive, Hook (Taz’s son) was on the apron and then Martin jumped over Hook (he ducked) leading to a somersault dive onto Hobbs on the floor. Martin with two enziguri kicks to the neck, then a springboard into a pump kick and Hobbs hit a huge spinebuster. The announcers called it a Powerbomb, but it was a spinebuster and Hobbs covered to win by pinfall after nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Powerhouse Hobbs

Analysis: *** This was pretty good with Hobbs showing off his power while Martin was very impressive with his aerial skills. I like matchups like that where it’s a mix of styles and they make it work well. Hobbs is doing better in terms of showing his power while also taunting the crowd. Martin gets so much height on his leaps off the ropes. All it took was one move for Hobbs to win since he hit the big spinebuster for the win.

Dan Lambert was in a private box with Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page, who haven’t been booked in a match on this show in quite a while. Lambert congratulated AEW for bringing in CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, Ruby Soho and Adam Cole while saying AEW brings in anybody that is 5’9” or shorter that Tony Khan can use to deflect the spotlight away from the truth. Lambert said no matter how hard it is to hide the truth, it will always be there. Lambert ripped on the fans for singing songs with some of the lyrics. Lambert said that Sky and Page are two real men that work for AEW. Lambert invites some tough guys to fight them. Lambert ripped on the fans chanting “AEW” so then the fans chanted it right on cue.

Analysis: Lambert is there ripping on short people and then Scorpio Sky is a shorter guy. It doesn’t matter to me that anybody is short. I have made jokes about it in the past, but if they can go in the ring that’s what matters. I think Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page are both outstanding performers, but they have been forgotten about in terms of getting time in the ring on Dynamite. It’s an issue AEW is going to have with so many wrestlers on the roster. I like Lambert’s promos because he’s a heel against the company, but what’s the logical explanation to give him promo time when he’s critical of the company? I get why it’s on the show. I just don’t think it makes sense that Tony Khan would say “here are three minutes for this guy to rip AEW” in a logical way.

Matt Hardy did a promo saying he’s going to shave Orange Cassidy’s head. Orange replied with: “Whatever.” Thrilling.

MJF is up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Maxwell Jacob Friedman

Here comes MJF in a suit and scarf. He was joined by Wardlow as the announcers mentioned Chris Jericho beat MJF at All out on Sunday. MJF is 0-3 in AEW PPV matches this year. The crowd shouted “you tapped out” at him as MJF said that the fans were “potbellied pigs” and then said that he beat Jericho three times. MJF said he beat him a fourth time, but after the bell was rung, the match was restarted due to extreme bias against me. MJF said that there is bias against him because everybody wants to be him. MJF said that the fans are from “Shit-cinnati.” Good name. MJF said he knows MJF will go on Twitter with all caps writing “cheap heat” and he wanted to tell us marks that he means it when he said that Cincinnati is the biggest “dumpster fire” in the world. He ripped on some local Cincinnati things like the Reds not winning a World Series since 1990. MJF dared the fans to jump the guardrail so he can beat the crap out of everybody in this Podunk town and said they are all cowards.

MJF pointed out Aunt Linda in the crowd saying he’ll knock her teeth down her throat. MJF called the woman with Linda “16 and Pregnant.” LOL! She looks a lot older than 16. MJF called her Roseanne. MJF went up to the woman, who said she is Cincinnati’s own Brian Pillman’s “The Loose Cannon” daughter. MJF called her “Preggers” since she’s pregnant. MJF said that would explain her vile looks. She gave him the middle finger. Nice!

Brian Pillman Jr. made his entrance to stand up for his family and he was wearing a Cincinnati Bengals jersey. Pillman called MJF a “jerkoff” as the “J” in his name. Pillman said that MJF is here trashing his hometown and his family. Pillman said we know had a silver spoon upbringing, but where he is from is a city that breeds badasses like Brian Pillman and Jon Moxley. Pillman said he’s from the streets of Cincinnati: “Welcome to the Jungle!” Huge pop! MJF ripped on Pillman’s “drug addicted mother Methanie” (Melanie) and Pillman got in the ring with Wardlow standing in front of MJF. MJF said that she forgot to do to Pillman what she did to the other prospects…and that is swallow. MJF asked if Wardlow will help him like he did on Sunday and told Wardlow to stand in the corner and look pretty. MJF said that if Pillman doesn’t get out of his ring then he’ll do to him what Brian’s mother should have done 28 years ago…abort! That led to Pillman taking down MJF and punching him. Wardlow let some of the punches, but then he made the save. Pillman broke free of Wardlow leading to some kicks. Wardlow hit a German Suplex on Pillman. Griff Garrison went up to save his tag team partner, but Wardlow hit him with a clothesline. MJF punched Garrison with the diamond ring. Pillman covered Garrison while Tony said they apologized for what MJF said.

Analysis: It was a great promo from MJF. Maybe he went a bit too far at the end there, but it makes him stand out from some of the promos we hear in AEW from some of the heels that try to invoke comedy. It was also a smart way to utilize cheap heat (as he said) because the fans loved it when Brian Pillman Jr. made the save after MJF insulted Aunt Linda and Brian’s sister. Great job by Brian with the promo too. He is a tag team wrestler in AEW right now, but he has so much potential as a star in the coming years. There was also a tease of MJF being frustrated that Wardlow didn’t help him beat Chris Jericho on Sunday, so maybe they are heading for a split soon. This situation should lead to a tag team match between the four guys or at least MJF vs. Pillman in a singles match.

There was a video that aired with Jon Moxley talking about how he didn’t find Minoru Suzuki all that scary. Moxley told Suzuki he’s in the jungle and he’s going to die. I predict he won’t actually die.

Jamie Hayter made her entrance for singles action with Dr. Britt Baker and Rebel. Ruby Soho got a good ovation for her entrance.

Ruby Soho vs. Jamie Hayter (w/Britt Baker & Rebel)

Hayter with a shoulderblock takedown since she’s the bigger woman. Ruby blocked a hit, then a knee to the head, but then Hayter used her power to send Ruby into the ropes. Hayter kicked Ruby out of the ring leading to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Ruby using her legs to send Hayter face first into the middle turnbuckle. Ruby with three running kicks in a row. Hayter held Ruby in the air, Ruby bounced off the ropes and hit a DDT for a two count. They did some spot where Ruby was on the shoulders leading to them falling backwards like a headscissors takedown. I don’t know what they were going for. Hayter hit a forearm. Hayter with a fireman’s carry into the knee and a sliding clothesline for two. Soho with an arm wringer leading to a jumping Riott Kick (I don’t know what they are calling it in AEW) and that was enough for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ruby Soho

Analysis: **1/4 A solid match to give Ruby the win following her battle royal win on Sunday. I give AEW credit for booking title challengers strong. They do it well. The jumping kick by Ruby is a nice finisher too. It looks like they have Hayter in the role of the woman that loses to future Britt Baker opponents. She is better in the ring than Rebel, so that makes sense.

Post match, Ruby got a hug from referee Bryce Remsburg and then Britt Baker attacked Ruby. Baker hit a neckbreaker. Riho ran in for the save, but Hayter hit her with a backbreaker. Kris Statlander made the save with a steel chair, so the heels left.

Analysis: This would set up a six-woman tag team match at Rampage. That’s fine as a way to continue the story.

There was a video about Ricky Starks and Brian Cage past issues. They are not done with eachother.

Analysis: That feud is still going on? I guess so. Cage needs to get revenge after losing the “coveted” FTW Title.

(Commercial)

The Pinnacle’s Shawn Spears entered with FTR, Wardlow and Tully Blanchard for this six-man tag team match. The Dark Order made their entrance as a promo aired from earlier in the day. The members of the Dark Order argued with eachother. Anna Jay calmed them down, said that they are like a family, told them to figure it out and act like it.

The Pinnacle – Shawn Spears & FTR’s Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler (w/Tully Blanchard) vs. Dark Order’s Evil Uno, Stu Grayson & John Silver (w/Dark Order guys)

Spears and Silver exchanged body slams and Silver reluctantly brought in Grayson since the team has had issues. Wheeler was back in with a clothesline. Grayson hit a jumping kick on Spears and then a double team move with a springboard elbow with Uno getting a two count on Spears. The fans were cheering for Colt Cabana at ringside. Uno with a running kick on Spears and Silver got a two count. Spears with a jawbreaker, Harwood tagged in and hit elbows. Silver tried fighting out of the heel corner and hit a brainbuster on Harwood. Spears and Wheeler knocked the two Dark Order guys off the apron. Silver had to fight off three guys, so he did that and hit a running kick on Harwood leading to a German Suplex for two. Silver was sent into the ropes where he bumped into Uno to knock him off the apron. Harwood with a slingshot suplex (like Tully Blanchard) on Silver for a two count. FTR lifted up Silver for Spears to hit a running Death Valley Driver on Silver for the pinfall win after five minutes.

Winner by pinfall: The Pinnacle – Shawn Spears & FTR’s Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler

Analysis: ** It was fine for a shorter tag team match. I don’t remember the last time Spears won a match on Dynamite, so good for my fellow Canadian getting a win. Silver is probably my favorite Dark Order guy so I’m glad he got a chance to show off his skills. The story was that the Dark Order guys had problems working together while The Pinnacle was on the same page to get the win.

Post match, the Dark Order guys argued in the ring. Evil Uno got in the face of Silver, so then Grayson knocked down Silver and more of the Dark Order guys argued. That led to Anna Jay and Tay Conti showing up on the apron to stare at the dudes in the ring arguing about what was happening.

Analysis: This could be where the former Bray Wyatt fits if he joins AEW. He can be the leader of this group. I don’t know if he’s coming to AEW, but it would be a natural fit.

There was a video about the Women’s Casino Battle Royale from Sunday. There were promos from some of the women all saying they were the best, but they are not giving up.

Tully Blanchard was interviewed by Tony Schiavone. Tully said that his stars demolished the team. Tully said you just watched leadership. Tully said that Sting is trying to capitalize on somebody else like Sting has done. Tully wants to see Shawn Spears face Darby Allin and then Tully will get to face off with Sting one more time.

Sammy Guevara showed up with his cue cards during the picture in picture break.

Analysis: If I had to say who the most underutilized guy in AEW is, I’d say it’s Sammy Guevera. Sammy and Ricky Starks are probably the top two. Both of them need to be featured more.

There was a trainer’s room promo from Brian Pillman Jr. and Griff Garrison. Pillman challenged MJF to a match on September 22nd at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Acclaimed showed up with flowers for them. Max Caster said he’s going to face Pillman in a match on Rampage.

Analysis: This week’s Rampage was taped after Dynamite, so it’s also from Cincinnati.

Let’s Hear from The Elite

The Elite were interviewed in the ring by Tony Schiavone. Before the introduction, Tony called MJF a “prick” and said that Cincinnati is one of the greatest wrestling cities in the world.

The Elite group consisted of AEW World Champion Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, Don Callis, Brandon Cutler the stooge and Michael Nakazawa the stooge. The announcers mentioned Kenny Omega winning the #1 Wrestler in the world honor from Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

Callis took the microphone from Tony, so it wasn’t actually an interview as promoted. Callis claimed the fans voted Omega the #1 wrestler in the world. It was not the fans who voted. Callis said that Omega proved why he’s the greatest wrestler in the history of this industry. Callis also mentioned The Young Bucks having the greatest tag team match in the history of the world. Callis said don’t worry because they have a plan to get the titles back. Nick Jackson said that they got their best friend back. That led to introduction of the newest member of The Elite…Adam Cole bay bay!

Adam Cole made his entrance for his AEW Dynamite debut. Big reaction for Cole, who is one of the best wrestlers in the world. Cole did his signature “ADAM COLE BAY BAY” pose in the ring with the fans chanting along even though he’s a heel. It’s okay. It’s a cool thing to do. There were “Adam Cole’ chants welcoming him to AEW.

Cole asked who is ready for story time? Cole got in Tony’s face saying: “I know you are really close with Britt Baker and I swear to God if you even look at her the wrong way, I will slap those stupid glasses off your face and whoop your ass, do you understand me?” Cole told Tony get out of the ring. If you don’t know, Cole is dating Baker and he called Tony a nerd. Tony slowly left the ring. JR: “Rude and unprofessional.” Cole to Tony: “Step down, nerd.” It led to boos and “Tony” chants.

Analysis: The story there is that Cole is dating Britt Baker for several years now, so it’s a way to get some heel heat on Cole. The fans booed this even though they were just screaming for Cole a minute early. Pro wrestling crowd manipulation is great.

Cole said that All Elite Wrestling is the greatest professional company in the entire world. Cole said it’s because of the guys in this ring right now. Cole said anybody that bought a ticket is thanks to The Elite. Cole talked about how he’s been “elite” for a very long time. Cole said for nearly 14 years he has main evented, he has won World Championships and he has shown he is a once in a generation professional wrestler. Cole said that The Young Bucks are the greatest tag team of all time and Omega is a once in a lifetime professional wrestler and the AEW World Championship proves that. Cole said now The Elite has Adam Cole…bay bay. Cole said we should be thanking Omega, The Young Bucks and now The Elite is complete…bay bay. Cole said next week he makes his in-ring debut in AEW. Cole said he’ll prove to the world how good he is and how elite he really is.

Kenny Omega said that he really despises interruptions and at the pay-per-view they were so unceremoniously interrupted…and here comes Bryan Danielson!

The “YES” chants filled the building as “The American Dragon” (it said it on the screen) Bryan Danielson walked down to the ring in a plain white t-shirt. He needs to learn to wear merch.

Omega asked the guys to clear the ring so eh can talk to their new guest. Danielson got into the ring with Omega as the fans cheered loudly. Omega said that Bryan is just the guy that he wanted to speak with. Danielson stole the microphone from Omega. Danielson asked if the fans wanted to see him fight Kenny Omega? Huge “YES” chants. Danielson said that Omega is telling him it doesn’t work like that there. Danielson noted that Kenny claims he’s the greatest wrestler that ever lived and nobody is on his level. Bryan said that Kenny is afraid to take this match because he knows Bryan is better than him, Bryan will kick his head in and Kenny is not on his level. Omega tried an attack, so Bryan got an armbar takedown into the Yes Lock, but then The Elite was back in to save Omega. There was a save from Jurassic Express and Christian Cage. Marko Stunt was thrown onto some of the heels and Jungle Boy hit a somersault dive onto some guys on the floor. Frankie Kazarian kicked Adam Cole out of the ring. Brandon Cutler the stooge was the last guy left, so Danielson hit him with a running knee.

Analysis: I thought this was excellent. Adam Cole’s opening promo was a strong message from him showing confidence about how great he is and we all know he can back it up in the ring. Omega complaining about interruptions leading to Bryan Danielson interrupting him was the perfect way to introduce Danielson on Dynamite in front of a crowd that absolutely loves him. They are not wasting time teasing an Omega vs. Danielson match, so maybe they do it at Full Gear in November or some other point. The concern there is I think “Hangman” Adam Page deserves that spot, but he’s off right now since his wife is about to have a baby. Anyway, the save from the babyfaces makes me think we might get an 8-man tag team match on the September 22 Dynamite in NYC with Danielson, Christian, Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus vs. Omega, Cole & Young Bucks. That would make a lot of sense at least.

The main event between Moxley and Suzuki is next.

(Commercial)

This Friday on Rampage taped from Cincinnati:

* Pac vs. Andrade El Idolo – I have a friend that was there last night that said it was awesome. Looking forward to this.

* Darby Allin & Sting speak.

* Dr. Britt Baker, Rebel & Jamie Hayter vs. Ruby Soho, Riho & Kris Statlander. If Rebel is in a match, she usually loses.

* Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Max Caster

Next week on AEW Dynamite:

* Adam Cole vs. Frankie Kazarian. There is Cole’s first AEW win.

* Jade Cargill vs. Leyla Hirsch

* Darby Allin vs. Shawn Spears. Darby gets a win back after losing to CM Punk at All Out.

AEW Dynamite Grand Slam in New York City on September 22:

* Cody Rhodes vs. Malakai Black. Cody is back. He’s been taping a TV show that I won’t watch.

Minoru Suzuki made his entrance. He was really slow in making his way down to the ring. Considering how much time the match got, he should have moved faster. Some fans chanted “Holy Shit” on his way down to the ring. Suzuki has been wrestling for over 30 years.

Jon Moxley made his entrance and they announced him from Cincinnati. He chose to move to Las Vegas. I would too. Sorry Cincinnati. Moxley entered in the back part of the arena with the fans singing along with his “Wild Thing” entrance song. Huge pop with “Moxley” chants.

Jon Moxley vs. Minoru Suzuki

The fans are easy to please, so they chanted “this is awesome” as the wrestlers exchanged forearms. Suzuki with a kick, Moxley bounced off the ropes with a kick and Suzuki laughed at him. Suzuki with palm strikes, Moxley with forearms and Moxley stretched him across the top rope. They went to picture in picture break. I will review that part for this match.

(Commercial – Suzuki applied an armbar against the ropes. They left the ring with Suzuki stretching the right arm against the ring post followed by a whip into the post. Suzuki kicked the arm and then went back into the ring. Suzuki applied an armbar in the ring. Moxley came back with chops with the injured right arm, so Suzuki kicked him in the gut twice. When Suzuki charged, Moxley hit him with a hard clothesline. Moxley with a suplex.)

They were back to full screen with Suzuki kicking Moxley in the head. Moxley blocked a running kick, then he bit Suzuki’s head and Suzuki came back with some head biting of his own. Moxley and Suzuki each did headbutts although they are really headbutting their own hands until they actually did hit heads with eachother. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them as they exchanged forearms again. Moxley no-sold some forearms, then hit a clothesline and then Suzuki went for a rear naked choke. Suzuki went for a piledriver, but Moxley powered out and hit a DDT. Moxley bounced off the ropes and hit a clothesline. Suzuki was bleeding around his right eye. Moxley with a clothesline, Suzuki was still up, Moxley with another clothesline and Suzuki hit a running dropkick that looked good. Moxley slipped out a sleeper, Moxley with punches to the head and a Paradigm Shift (it was more like an overhead suplex) for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jon Moxley

Analysis: ***1/2 It was hard-hitting and a fun match if you’re into the Japanese wrestling style full of strikes. Suzuki is such a fun guy to watch in terms of his offense and then the unique way that he sells some moves. I think Moxley forgot to sell the right arm in the last few minutes because Suzuki worked on the right arm a lot, but then Mox chose to ignore it. That was one of the weaker Paradigm Shift finishers that Moxley has done. Normally it’s a lifting DDT-type move, but this was more of a suplex. I’m not sure why he did it that way. Maybe it was to protect Suzuki from taking a bump on the head/neck area, which is understandable for Suzuki as an older guy. Anyway, I liked the match a lot. I was hoping they could get 12-15 minutes with no commercial break, but shit happens and maybe some of their time got cut due to the promos. It was a no-brainer for Moxley to win since he’s usually going to beat the guys they bring in from Japan.

After the match, Moxley celebrated in the ring a bit. Moxley went into the crowd, then he went into the crowd and celebrated with some of the fans. Moxley walked into another part of the arena and walked up the steps to celebrate with some more fans. Moxley continued to celebrate while saluting the fans in his hometown of Cincinnati. Moxley posed in front of some fans. That was it for this week’s show.

Analysis: A quick promo would have been nice. The fans would have gone wild for anything he said. I hope Moxley gets an interesting storyline after this. A feud with Adam Cole would be great for both guys. There hasn’t been much for Moxley to do for a few months, so hopefully he’s utilized and has a role in some of the plans moving forward. Even with all the new additions to AEW, he is still one of the most beloved faces in the company.

Three Stars of the Show

1. Jon Moxley
2. Minoru Suzuki
3. Bryan Danielson

I thought MJF, Brian Pillman Jr. and Adam Cole did well too.

The Scoreboard

This Week: 7.5 out of 10

Last Week: 7.5

2021 Average: 7.34

Final Thoughts

I thought it was a very good show overall. It was probably better for the promos than the matches, which is cool. They have a lot of great talkers in AEW now.

The match quality was good for the most part although some matches were kept short probably because of the long promos. What I like is seeing the younger talents like Hobbs/Martin featured in singles action. We need more of that on Dynamite. You have to keep featuring the homegrown AEW talent, give them stories and develop them on Dynamite, not just the Youtube shows that have a much smaller audience.

The promo work was really strong thanks to CM Punk, MJF, Brian Pillman Jr. got to step up with his promo, Adam Cole delivered as usual and Bryan Danielson spoke with a lot of fire. I think they have a decent lineup for next week, but then they’ll have bigger matches set for the September 22 NYC Dynamite show. That’s the big one. I’m excited about it.

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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Rams. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport

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